There would be a lot of things our politicians and people could learn from Deb Haarland, her roots and all Native American people, but some come instantly to mind:
1: That chiefs only stay in charge as long they can persuade and influence others to follow by the wisdom of their words and the effectiveness of their decisions
2: That the leader in peace is not necessarily he or she who leads in war
3: That the most respected person is he who most shares his riches with his fellows in need
4 That the people live as a part of nature in a mutually supportive relationship with other creatures and not as parasites profiting from nature
5: That land is not for sale it exists freely in its own right
6: That every part of nature has a "spirit" which must be respected
One could go on indeffinitely, but If 2021 is to be different from 2020 then we need to make a start on listening to the wisdom of people who developed their way of life over the thousands of years before we invaded their space.
I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve always longed to live with these principles. Ever since I was a child and especially now. We have raped this planet with our greed and sociopathic mentality. Now we are on the brink of losing ourselves as guests on Mother Earth. Will we man up and win her approval or perish? Because between she and we, she will survive, not we.
For those who would rather trash this planet and go to Mars at some point, I say go now. The sooner the better. Good riddance!
I just downloaded 2 books to my Kindle: “Wounded Knee” by Dr. Richardson and “Let us Dream” by Pope Francis. Pretty appropriate for today especially in light of your comment.
It starts with making a whole people less human - like the Constitution making slaves count 2/3s of a person - and then putting greed in the way -- like the Gold Rush into the Black Hills. Time for civilization to mature and be truly egalitarian. But, it won't be easy. I want the new age to be one of synergy -- an "and" philosophy rather than the one up / one down "or" philosophy. We should adopt the Native American philosophy that wealth in measured by one's generosity to others.
Ever since Reagan’s “welfare queens,” Republicans have adroitly used racism and class myth to mask their corporate giveaways and malfeasance. Heck, ever since their “Southern strategy” in the 1970s and distorted Reconstruction myths in the 1870s. If it weren’t for the cover these creeps get from racism, the fat cats couldn’t get away with their corruption and thieving and lying and stealing.
I felt shredded every time I visit Wounded Knee and my Oglala friends on Pineridge Rez.
The Peole donor did have a philosophy of Living with the seventh generation in mind. We certainly could use wise elders now, or perhaps youth—like Greta.
There is no better life on Mars than that which we have here. Why can we not see that? Self interest as a whole would seem so obvious, yet at the same time seems so pie in the sky. Will we ever move past the zero sum game?
Honestly, the whole Mars bit seems to be an excuse to finish pillaging this planet and go on to another! Did anyone here ever see the movie WAL-E? Its animated but certainly speaks to what we humans are doing right now. Rather than repair anything, throw it away & get new, AND the idea that we are creating so much garbage that its taking over the planet. Look at our oceans, beaches, rivers etc. Its downright disgusting.
Touring Swaziland in Africa last November, I listened to similar tribal thoughts from a young woman representing her village at a “tourist destination.” Coming from a 60’s America where I couldn’t wait to leave home and did so at the age of 14, I still can’t imagine being young and content to stay at home and follow the advice of family elders. And, yet, I have been seeking a tribe, a wise governing council, a generous strong tribal chief in all the years since the 1968 murders of RFK and MLK. That quest for a community looking out for each other and the earth has fueled my political activism since then. Your maxims align with my limited reading and touring of tribal lands out west. And, the Deb Haaland cabinet appointment is the first from Biden that made me spontaneously joyful. A victory for progressives. A sign. Perhaps this is a step toward significant reparations and the USA becoming a citizen of the world. Meanwhile, there is the Evil Trump and his corrupt inner circle to monitor. 🤬 There are the GA elections to help to victory. 🤞🏻❤️🤍💙
I think the imagery we paint of Native Americans is a bit glamorized. They are, after all, human, with all the requisite fragility and foibles. Had they learned to extract ores and smelt metal tools, domesticate herds of animals, their view on the land may well have been much different than worshipful consideration often depicted. Indeed we can see how well they incorporated Conquistador equine to their lifestyle, Winchester carbines to traditions, and Casinos to their trade once these were introduced.
Actually, William, let's look at it the other way around... if the white men had left the ores in the lands they "conquered" and respected the earth and nature as did the indigenous peoples who were obliterated across the world, we might actually have a planet that could sustain human life.. somewhere between here and there I expect there was a way to mine sustainably, to take only what was necessary, but greed and selfishness ruled(rules) the day.
Actually, that is the way we always portray these matters. I just think people are much the same and their trajectories mostly controlled by available technology.
I do think there’s a fundamental difference between “how can we extract as much as possible from x resource?” and “how can we live well while sustaining the land, air, and water that sustain us all?”.
If the "technology" of the Native Americans (crop growing techniques (corn & tobacco) hunting skills, survival skills, shelter building, self defense in an environment viewed as hostile, e.g.) had not been offered to the Jamestown colony, the English would have perished. The colonial technology was insufficient to survival. It was the guarded generosity of the Native Americans, not technology, that sustained the colonies. Though it was finally the technology of the western world that massacred the millions of Natives, there was no "technological" triumph in that. Where Native Americans viewed living with the environment a "spiritual" necessity, western "invaders" manage again and again to use their triumphant technology to abuse and pollute an entire planet. It's clear that our fearsome technology long ago surpassed our humanity.
I have been considering your comment. I know that we human beings tend to view past events as stories, never the strict truth, because that is the only way we can understand them. We simplify. We interpret. We don’t see things as they absolutely are. So I agree with you that we probably glamorize. I would expect that. And I think I agree with you for the most part that people are the same everywhere, or start out that way. But cultures differ from each other. I don’t think this is just a matter of available technology, though I will think about this some more. My instinct is that the accumulated wisdom of a people’s leaders has a lot to do with how they develop.
William, the hundreds upon hundreds of years of existence on the land tells me that the Native cultures were successful. And yes, there were battles between tribes. But let’s make no mistake of the tragedy of the white culture of capitalism and conquest
Casinos were survival much like a mother prostitutes herself to feed her children. I doubt it sets well with them. Severe alcoholism is probably some proof of that.
As the Natives here in Ottowa Chippewa country explain it, Natives always loved games and casinos fit right in with their culture. I made home visits before casinos, when my husband was head of the Michigan Indian Confederation - it was not alcoholism that made them poor (though that genetic condition did nit help), but BIA policies. Some did well with fishing rights, some really well. Once the casinos were up an running, tribes could build very good village homes, clinics, and day care and elder centers. Income from working gaming tables meant families were finally making it on their own. The tribe in our region now supports social services for our mostly white community as well (instead of taxes, grants are made to our community organizations). The difference in the pride and power of The People has been an amazing transformation. Deb Haaland is stepping in at an opportune time to help us all and Mother Earth.
Severe alcoholism was used by colonializing forces to subdue the "Natives" in N&S America, Africa, Australasia to deliberately reduce their ability to organize themselves collectively and create massive addiction.
You can add Ireland to the list. The English used that tool, as well as preventing the Irish from attending school, speaking Gaelic, practicing their religion, and owning their farms. My ancestors were from England, Scotland, and Ireland, for the most part, with a bit of German and Scandinavian as well, so I bring no bias to the table here. The benefits of colonialization are rendered only to those who colonize, and the shame is theirs as well.
My mother was born the year that Ireland had their fight for independence. She worked in England as a welder during the war and received pretty rough treatment from those she worked with and lived with who were British. It’s still stings
Conquistador equine? There is some disagreement as to whether those actually WERE the first horses introduced here - of course they brought them into their lives when they had the opportunity. And they obviously DID domesticate herds of horses. Guns? Well how else were they to defend themselves when they were being invaded by people wanting them off their homelands? And quite frankly, why not use casinos? Yes they ARE human - but have been treated as less and still are by many. I truly celebrate the new head of the DOI - hopefully our sainted Congress doesnt make up excuses why she shouldnt be nominated. A woman, finally.
We haven't left the Tribes much choice because of the barren lands on which we have quartered them ...casino's? They are just playing on our weaknesses and who could say that they are wrong!
I agree completely - truthfully could have ranted on some more - from treatment of Native Americans (AND all "others") but once I start on the wild horses - I tend to rant.
Just for your info, they smelted copper and gold for ornaments and tools and traded both the refined metal and the products from Mexico to Alaska. In terms of domesticated animals, they, like us, had dogs and after the Spanish invasion horses too. They had intelligently,however, obviated the necessity of domesticating food animals as they so managed nature to make sure that they always had a ready suppy at hand.....before the white men's diseases and their increasingly pervasive presence so cut their numbers that their labour-intensive environmantal management system could not be supported.
The entry of the Spanish horse was very much a contributor to the end of their way of life as it made hunting and war easier, they roamed farther and reduced sedentry aspects of their existence and further enhanced the "monetization" of their trading systems and wealth calculations. The Winchesters, like the earlier guns, were introduced by the white men and the native Americans used it to defend themselves. Previous single shot rifles were often less effective than bows and arrows. Where they really could not respond was when the army turned canon, howitzer and machinegun on their women and children.
Perhaps, or perhaps they made a conscious choice. We have enough, this life is enough, it feels balanced. Maybe some considered settling down in one place permanently and raising crops and herds, and were outnumbered by visionaries who could see the troubles this would lead to (the troubles that developed since the Agricultural Revolution 12K years ago. Ishmael, anyone?). It may seem astonishing to us, but perhaps the majority just said NO to greed.
William, you do a commendable job of portraying the stereotype of the arrogant European male belittling the abilities and value of a people you don’t understand and certainly don’t appreciate. It has been, for centuries, the technique of the invader to mischaracterize the victims of their rape, murder—Read: genocide—and plunder.
“These people can’t be so noble and wise and generous. Remember white supremacy? We certainly can’t describe them and their culture as superior to us.”
But perhaps they do have admirable and valuable qualities and knowledge. And perhaps they do have much to teach us. And perhaps they are fully human.
Of course that would make the transgressions of the invaders crimes against humanity.
Remember this year’s calamitous wildfires on the West Coast? If the migrants from the east hadn’t been so focused on grabbing as much as they could as quickly as they could; and if they had not been so quick to spin up tales of their victims savage natures and inferiority to cover their own savagery and malefaction; they just might have discovered a different standard of wealth, and another perspective on life and living.
I can't wait to see what Rep. Deb Haaland will do as Secretary of the Interior about the decision by the Supreme Court in 1980 that the Black Hills had been unconstitutionally taken from the Native Americans in 1877. The Fort Laramie Treaty stated that the Black Hills were for the "absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the Indians." The Supreme Court awarded a monetary settlement rather than returning the land. The Native Americans told the Supreme Court that the land was not for sale and have refused to accept the money. Maybe it will take a couple of generations to somehow return the land gradually but inevitably, but it needs to happen. It really is the only way they will get true retribution. It is difficult to predict how the current Supreme Court will stand on this. In reading Heather's book on Wounded Knee it is amazing to me how much 1890 has parallels with 2020. Washington politics must change this time. We need a true new age this time!
There is also the more recent decision by SCOTUS that half of Oklahoma "is a reservation that belongs by treaty to Native Americans" and Leonard Pelltier is still in jail unjustly accused of "attacking the FBI and killing one of their men" at the 1970 Wounded Knee protests!
That's right. I hope Oklahoma doesn't collapse in on itself from fracking causing earth quakes before the Native Americans get it back! I know about Leonard Pelltier but I've never studied his case. Time to get educated! Thanks!
Thank you! I have a strong sense of destiny in this. My great grandfather's sister was married to Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy. He was among the first white men to survey the Black Hills, was at Fort Robinson when Crazy Horse was there, as a doctor he treated Crazy Horse's wife Black Shawl Woman for TB, was the doctor in attendance when Crazy Horse was mortally wounded, and later was the Field Agent at Pine Ridge from 1879 to 1882.
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. This is a special group of people that I'm finding very supportive is this wild time. I believe we are forming friendships that will last for a long time. Thank you, friend.
Yes, in addition to Heather's historic perspective, it has been mightily beneficial to read everyone's commentary here. These last months have been so difficult for all of us, and the community has helped to maintain the hope that we will come out stronger in the end.
Cathy, so interesting to read your family history. I have been on the Pine Ridge reservation and was struck first by the poverty and then by the spirit of the people. Kind, welcoming and proud.
Yes, but on a different reservation. I had the same strong feelings. I felt the guilt and shame of “my people” and an overwhelming sadness. I had tears of joy today at reading the powerful words of Deb Haaland. Biden did a really smart and good thing here.
I didn’t know this and I completely agree. It is striking the differences between the Native Americans, in this case refusing, to accept the money and holding the land as an entity unto itself, “un-buyable.” The white man, on the other hand, is all about the cash.
If the monetary award is a match for the perceived value of the land as non-native property, it should be enough to purchase that property from its current occupants and restore it to the tribes.
I think at the time they were looking at $100million, but if you add compound interest over 40 years it has at least doubled. However, if they took the money they current usurpers wouldn't sell back to them and in all likelyhood the Feds would probably try to hold it "in loco parentis" to make sure that the Lakotao could in no way profit from it or disturb current whiet occupation!
“Now is the time of monsters.” This is, from my perspective, one of the best, if not the best, “Letters From an American” Doctor Richardson has penned. It presents a stark juxtaposition of the forces of destruction vs. the forces of construction; those dedicated to the dismantling of our nation for their own enrichment, arrayed against those determinately pledged to the reconstruction of our beloved country, against all odds.
I do have to raise one objection to the portrayal of this time period as “the time of monsters.” For too many of the denizens of what became the United States of America, the monsters roamed this continent even before the nation formally existed. From the point at which the seafarers from Europe stumbled upon this land mass, mistaking it for India, monstrous acts were committed against the territory and its peoples.
And as if those deeds were not nefarious enough, stolen peoples from distant homelands were transported to these shores to ensure that the wandering miscreants became obscenely wealthy.
The time in which we live is simply the culmination of the assorted abominations inflicted upon hapless and helpless peoples, Indigenous and forced migrants, over some six centuries. This Western cult of profit by any and all means had its birth on the far side of the ocean and was imported to this country by the men who were its most zealous acolytes.
But what is the real, the most important message from today’s “Letter”, is: “a new world struggles to be born.” These are the words that illuminate our time.
Two-thousand-and-twenty is the year that has seen the dismantling of the “old world”, and is the time to lay the groundwork for the new, even in the face of relentless and insidious attacks on that which we hold dear. It is the time, as well, that demands that we face those horrors which we have studiously ignored until today, when they have become too obvious and too appalling to deny any further.
Good morning, everyone. Like so many of you, I come here every day for a kind of centering time, usually before the sun rises. I find comfort in Heather's letters--even when they contain deeply disturbing information. "Contain" being the operative word, right?! Somehow, she reels in the national hysteria (alongside the numbing national ignorance, as in "ignoring"), makes clear what's true, and then places all of that in historic context.
I was a career writer/editor. I'm not being bullshitish when I say that I'm in awe of what Heather has gifted to us on this site, every day for more than a year. Also grateful for the commentary from the not-Heathers who educate me, too. Take-aways du jour:
** Deb Haaland: Perfect choice for Interior.
** Agencies/agents: Brain connected that ugly but comparatively simple sham to trump's self-serving, twisted way of governing.
** Horrified fascination: observing the sleight of many hands shifting demon status from Russia to China.
** Who knows what evil lurks in the Oval Office, the Pentagon, the DOJ? I hope there are whistles at the ready to be blown!
Every newsletter is a must-read for me, but the opening sentence Dr Richardson chose was a particularly inspired choice! Yes, a new world struggles to be born, and there are indeed *monsters* among us, but what worries me is how many of us (myself included on a lot of days) cling to our “old world.” I liked the freedom of not worrying whether I was going to catch a deadly virus any minute, I liked not worrying about national politics every damn day, I liked knowing competent people were (sometimes) making things work. But the injustices are too deep, the corruption increasingly obvious, and the lack of concern for human life too appalling. We have no choice but to create a better world in the coming years and decades. Will we be able to convince enough of our fellow citizens of that need, or will they cling so strongly to the old world that we can’t progress?
Maybe like a baby has endless needs, but will grow and become independent, so maybe if we baby the new world with love and care until it's grownup, we get to enjoy its fruits?
“Quiet but steady” should be the Biden admin’s motto. It is apparent that they want this cabinet to look like what America is all about, different cultures, different colors, different genders. We must embrace them all and forge ahead rather than be taken in by the thieves amongst us.
The choice of Haaland is by far, the most deserving. She is a woman. A single mom who had to get welfare to help take care of the child she was raising. She got grants and scholarships to help pay for her college education. She worked and still she prevailed. I am so very very happy to see her achieve this goal. Her background can only help Native Americans win back dignity that has been denied for way too long.
Let’s face facts...our race, the white one, has been cruel, committed malicious acts of violence, and stirred up the masses for hundreds of years. It is high time that this madness is tampered down by us! We must keep voicing our disgust and call out those doing damage publicly.
Buttigieg called out for a "reckoning" of the hateful parts of Christianity. They are how many centuries old? The hateful parts of our storm trooper, might makes right history is also long overdue for a reckoning. It's happening, the old white guard are absolutely getting uncomfortable.
We need to PERSIST.
TY professor, et al, please, continue with your light shining!
I agree that we must eliminate the hateful—full-of-hate—parts of our culture and society. Perhaps we should revisit the linkage of “hateful” and Christianity.
I can no longer be classified as a Christian, although as a member of the Bahá’í Faith I revere Jesus Christ and recognize His divinity and His station as the Son of God.
But if we restate the issue as “the hateful parts of Christ’s Teachings”, I think we will come to the conclusion that the fault lies, not in Christianity, but in those who falsely link their despicable words and actions to the religion.
If we revisit the origins of Jesus’ ministry we will, I am certain, find no trace of the abhorrent behavior of those who use His Name as a cloak for their malicious ways. We must separate the foundational Teachings of religion from the malign activities of the pretenders.
Your choice of the word “steady” brings to mind the recent book by Dan Rather, “What Unites Us”, which I recently finished. I believe quite a few folks here have mentioned it in previous postings. It has encouraged continued hope that the values that underpin our democracy will survive and ultimately prevail and has been uplifting in this immensely troubled and chaotic time. So much so that just the word “steady” alone can serve to lift my spirits. Thank you for sharing it here.
Yes, thank you HCR! The nomination of Representative Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior is indeed a ray of hope and a lifeline. But the rest of what is going on begs the question, when is enough enough? How long does the US allow Trump's alarming behavior wreak havoc on the American people? It seems clear to me that there need to be new guardrails erected to protect the country from a damaged and renegade president (and his supporters!).
The Constitution provides checks and balances. Whether they work or not depends on whether those in our three branches of our government believe in the Constitution. When one branch does not, the other branches must step in. Presidential influence over Senators and Representatives of his party weakens Constitutional checks and balances.
HCR -- Thanks (as always) for your historical insights and context. I have no idea what our country could ever do to "make right" the injustices done to Native Americans since before our country's founding, but we should, or rather we MUST try.
This Letter brings tears, thank you Dr. Richardson. It’s so poignantly written and encapsulates the essence of our time...evidenced in one day.
I’d like to respectfully recommend reading the book, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. It outlines the time described in today’s Letter in historic detail. It left me numb and feeling ashamed that people, so full of greed, can be so cruel and heartless. Greed, Cruelty...and so it continues.
God Bless President Biden and Vice President Harris and the new Administration. Our HOPE remains with you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to support our precious democracy.🇺🇸❣️
Elaine, thanks for your comment. It made me think!
I don’t know your skills, but I certainly could not run this country. I vote for candidates who have the skills, knowledge, experience and temperament to lead our Nation. Politicians have skill I do not have. I believe that the word “Politician” has become a hot potato, with negative connotations. That’s too bad...I guess the corrupt ones effected people’s view on the position. But not all Politicians, like in any other career, are corrupt. Many are good, honest folks...like you and I.
I would agree that we need to stay vigilant and participate in our government...run for local office, or higher if you are able to, be in communication with our representatives, write letters, listen to others without judgment, share opinions in a manner that can educate and enlighten.
I, for one, believe that I can put much hope and faith in those I have voted for. But I will continue to take responsibility for myself as a citizen of our great United States of America 🇺🇸
I missed civics in school, if it was there (but we moved a lot, so...) I wish I had learned back then how the government works. I also think it would be a good idea if every citizen performed some kind of service to our government at some level, though I have no idea what form(s) that could take.
Some people need to have monsters in their life. They will seek them out. And where there are none, they will invent them. Gramsci is right on. The new world being born brings uncertainty. And with uncertainty brings fear for some, hope for others The madman in the white house continues his scorched earth approach to life, demonizing anyone and anything that gets in his way, providing an ample supply of monsters for those who seek them. Politics has always been like this when the humanity is on the verge of bettering itself. I have hope that this too shall pass. I stopped feeding my monsters a long time ago. Peace to all of you
The future is a consequence of today’s choices. Pre ordination and destiny are a myth. Wise choices and sound action on those choices will produce a tomorrow of promise. Poor choices and a failure to act in a responsible manner ensures a bleak future without hope for a better future. Every day presents each of us and our collective society with new choices, a new fork in the road. We can choose light or the darkness, good or evil, civility or disharmony, a better tomorrow or disaster, right or wrong. There is seldom a true middle road without consequence. Throughout our history as a country we have collectively made both wise and foolish choices and then pursued those well or failed to fulfill their promise. For the last four years we have suffered under the leadership of fools who have made poor choice after poor choice, and whose actions have had consequences that should have instructed better future choices. So where are we now? New day, new choices. Which path will our leaders take? Will we allow those who have lead us into the hostile wilderness in which we find ourselves to continue to make choices for our future, or will we listen to those with the wisdom and experience to lead us to a better tomorrow? This is the choice we face collectively as a country. We can take the path to the left or the right and go all together. Where one goes, we all go. Taking separate paths is not an option.
So do not sit silently and hope the wise will prevail. Experience and history shows the voice of fools is loud and their words persuasive. Critical thinking, wisdom, experience, capability, and accomplishment are the values and voices we should heed.
Today ... everyone choose wisely. Tomorrow ... follow the plan and then make wise choices again. Whatever happens, every consequence will be a direct result of our actions and choices. Dr. Richardson is urging us all to look to and learn from the path we have travelled, our history and the lessons it should teach us and how those learnings should inform our choices.
Listen to the teachings and please all, choose wisely, choose decisively, and pay attention.
A stunning organic Letter as eras collide. A friction fractured moment of realization, an earthquake moment / shift sly as the turn of an eye when a lover finds another time for goodbye moment. Danger and promise passing sock slipping off an ankle close. Old men desperate grasping ignorant giving way to softer wisdom / ancient timeless inexorable not of flesh but love of life wisdom.
Melania Trump said, "As you may know by now, when you attack him [Trump] he will punch back 10 times harder."*
And now he is apparently seriously considering an option to declare martial law. This guy is the worst thing to happen to America and much of the world since WWII, and he can't be gone from the White House soon enough! Nevertheless, a part of me wishes he would try to declare martial law. At that point, I'm very confident the military would lock him down instead of his political opponents. With the state of emergency only in his mind, this talk is treasonous.
America needs a full accounting of all the damage he and his administration have done, all the laws he has broken. If Mr. Biden follows past examples and does not allow the Justice Department to fully expose Trump's criminal conduct and prosecute him accordingly, then a horrible precedent will be set. It's one thing to let a former president off the hook for actions such as Nixon's. It's quite another matter to let this guy off the hook. I will not be surprised by anything he and his administration did that might come to light after he's gone from office.
However, if the Republican party and Trump's base continue to blindly, and spinelessly follow him in their current numbers, NOTHING will ever get done to bring these traitors to justice. As I say to so many of the opinions expressed on here: *YOU* believe that...*I* believe that...but do *THEY* believe that??? Trying to pry these people away from their gut-based beliefs is seemingly impossible at this point, and *THIS* is what worries me most of all. We're all here in our echo chamber agreeing with each other and supporting each other--and I *LOVE* that!--but our thoughts and messages aren't always going to reach the ones that should hear it. The bulk of them seem deaf to anything that challenges their twisted versions of the truth. What to do? Yes, try slowly, person by person, to effect a change, but that can be a monumental task, and we don't have a whole hell of a lot of time--especially until the oligarchs' achieve their final take-over, aided by their brainwashed minions, in '22 and/or '24. This is what concerns me. This Trump administration to me is comparable to a cancer that is being allowed to spread unchecked, and whether or not we can stop it is the great question that keeps me up at night.
On 12/17, Elaine Hewitt said, “I think we all should get together and form a coalition.” I suggested a PAC with the emphasis on action rather than money. Jeff the American asked, “. . . why can’t we grab the anti-bully pulpit?” Dr. Richardson gave these comments a like, and others indicated an interest. Robin Jett established an email address for Dr. Richardson’s followers: heathersherd@gmail.com.
It seems to me that the thing that distinguishes Heather’s Herd from other groups is the interest in understanding the present by understanding the past. How do we turn that into political action? How do we use it to grab the anti-bully pulpit? "
Jan just posted one possible avenue: "I would like access to a curated collection of timely, forceful, succinct, fact-checked messages tailored for various media (from letters to posts) and audiences (from pols to misguided friends to the not-so-friendly). Keep this conversation alive."
This group is probably already aware, but politifact.com is a good resource. And the crazy thing is that right-wing media and far right talk show hosts must know they get fact checked. And don’t care. And keep whipping up the misguided frenzy. Power and greed. Dangerous addictions.
Thank you for asking and nudging us forward. This is a tough question. I don’t have much faith in changing cult-infused minds. I have given facts to people who tune out right away. They have their sources and that is who they will believe, it seems. I don’t understand it but I don’t understand cults either. My only thought is to keep pressuring our elected officials. I am open to whatever works best and I would dearly love to find a way for facts to become relevant again!!
Like you, I am dismayed by the echo chamber. It is, at the least, a "comfort zone" and I am grateful for the safe haven. I do wish it were more of a zone of dialogue where contending ideas yakked with confidence. I value debate and shrink from the repetition of the obvious. Maybe if we learned to embrace and debate our own contending ideas we would be more ready to confront the cancerous elements you talk of that keep you from sleeping soundly.
Yes, but look at what we already face from trolls that find their way here! I’m not entirely sure that rationality will work. The Lincoln Project does a great job, but they are trying to rebuild the Republican Party. Perhaps we need to think about educating the Democratic Party as well. I initially supported Bernie Sanders (but never wasted my vote when the final candidate was chosen). Why? Because he was the first one to sound like a Democrat in forever!
I think we should clearly ignore trolls. Do not feed or respond to them. But, maybe we could continue to enlarge our discussion and learn to debate tough issues without being snide, insulting, or self-righteous? Not that anyone is being snide, etc., but when issues are contested we tend to become defensive, which kills the conversation. I agree with you on Bernie, although I disliked his finger-jabbing presence. A "real democrat" will no longer be elected for a least a generation, if we last that long.
Jan, I agree with you that discussion, even debate, of important ideas is critical. It exercises our minds, keeps us honest, trains us to defend and educate. I guess we all like the feeling of others' approval, but I really enjoy listening to a well-reasoned argument for an opinion that differs from my own because it makes me smarter. I can feel myself growing when I stretch a bit and consider different points of view.
Today’s thread about Native Americans is an example of dialogue with contending ideas.
I have felt safe in this group to post a contrary point of view, have seen others respectfully disagree with HCR, and noted responses to be respectful. There have been a few readers who post an angry contrarian rant that does not constructively expand our conversation. Some readers respond with anger in turn by calling out “troll,” and one reader engaged and calmed him down but then unfortunately elevated him to the top with the volume of likes and comments, overshadowing the more illuminating comments below. As much as I value “know thy enemy,” I support ignoring the “trolls.”
And on the heels of the Flynn pardon, listening to a recent podcast by The Lincoln Project having a conversation with Malcom Nance, a counter-terrorism expert, it was mentioned that Flynn is thick with Qanon. Apparently I missed this little important ditty. So, had to research it. He’s on YouTube reciting their slogan, and they think he was a martyr for them. And he and Powell keep whispering in his ear. As Bruce muses, how can this course be reversed? Detoxing cultists, no matter the flavor of the day, is a long process. :/
I recently crossed the Rubicon with two Trump supporting friends; asking if they still thought he was a better choice than Joe Biden to be President. Both responded with attacks against the media. Both are educated women. One a very wealthy heiress who has skillfully continued to amass wealth. The other a former Democrat. Each deathly afraid of socialism yet each having benefited greatly from government give always to the Haves.
Trumpism is a cult. I fear few Trump supporters will entertain the idea that he is what he is—a self-serving megalomaniacal huckster and a grave danger to the world.
I am most impressed with Bidens' appointment of Harland then any thus far. How is it that it has taken our Nation this long to make a proper appointment to this Department?
I am watching this latest spin out of Trump with his closed meetings with the most inappropriate characters as perhaps just letting a burned out President play with a broken game board until the clock runs out in his term. I wish I knew if this tantrum is truly an idle threat. The bombastic numbers of those infected and lost by this unaddressed pandemic continue to dishearten my take on this Administration. I cannot get the thought that this pandemic was planned out of the back of my head. I would like to think that humans are not capable of being this evil but I look at this Administration and I cannot disprove it.
We have evidence, not that the pandemic was "planned" but that the US response to it was constructed without regard for life or for the Main Street economy.
Tя☭mp wants power and revenge. He has never ever cared what happens to anyone but himself. McTurtleneck wants the economy in tatters so his party can attack the Dems for it in the 2022 and 2024 elections. Again, remember these politicians are wealthy and the stock market has gone way up while the state of the country and most people in it has gone down.
I agree with you. I attempted to post a link to a notice I received from a close friend. It’s an announcement that the “ Inauguration of President Trump” will take place at Mar a Lago on January 20, 2021.” I don’t believe it’s a joke. Ugh.
Treason is specifically defined as aiding a foreign enemy with whom we are at war. We are not formally at war with Russia, so none of Tя☭mp's despicable behavior qualifies as treason.
I'm flabbergasted that any of his advisors would opine that he is spending too much time with kooks. Trump IS a kook, and it's about time that was publicly acknowledged. We're going to see these people again, spinning tales of their own non-complicity in this mess, while reality is that none of them should ever be allowed near the levers of power again, ever.
The only reason that Trump has not declared martial law, in my opinion, is that our military, bless their honor and patriotic souls, have made it clear that they would not participate.
I agree. Can anyone speak to what it means if he imposes martial law? Can he do that? Not that a thing has ever kept him from doing anything before. Is this possible?
Haaland’s appointment is inspired and just; it’s about time the people who understand our assigned role as stewards of the land have their rightful voice and leadership in that place of power. I have always revered the indigenous peoples in this hemisphere and this continent. I have spent time on the Pine Ridge and have friends there who persevere and stoically persist against all odds to make life sustainable for themselves and their people with a quiet resilience and brilliant, understated humour that ripples through the wasteland of their collective, centuries-old grief and persecution. Haaland knows all of this in her bones, and I look forward to supporting her efforts to lead us all in recognising our undeniable dependence and humble place upon Mother Earth. 🌎
I have relatives in New Mexico who have Apache blood. If you haven’t already, read “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee”: a primer of broken treaty promises.
I’ve read the book numerous times over the years, Patricia, and have spent time at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, among others written about in the book. It is a place of such stark devastation: one can ‘feel’ the blood in the ground and ‘hear’ the anguish in the wind that moves across its rise and fall.
Another good spot is Custer’s Last Stand in Montana. I felt absolutely no pity for the American soldiers when I visited there (more than once), but the fact that Custer lost meant more force and more violence were brought to bear against the Native Americans.
Yes. I have visited the place on two occasions and had the same visceral response. The abject arrogance and hubris of Custer cost him and his men their lives. Their Crow scouts warned them they were attacking a overwhelming number of Oglala Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, encamped on the Little Greasy Grass river, that it was a fool’s errand. Unfortunately, his foolish martyrdom inspired vengeance in the 7th Cavalry who manned the Howitzers at Wounded Knee.
I was drawn to her during the DNC when the delegates chose their nominee. I googled her and read up on her recent accomplishments. Exciting that she has been nominated for this appointment!
it is plain, simple & clear that #tRump’s recent actions are treasonous.
he and his ‘friends’ in this act must be arrested soon... before it is too late.
treason
n. The betrayal of allegiance toward one's own country, especially by committing hostile acts against it or aiding its enemies in committing such acts.
Agreed, K.D. I worry that, in an effort to ‘keep the peace’ and unify the nation, the incoming administration will not hold trump or any of his regime accountable for their heinous acts against our country, thus setting the stage for future recurrences of the 2016 election and the past 4 years with a more insidious and more dangerous candidate.
Biden may not say anything publicly but whomever he chooses as AG will investigate and prosecute. We, The People, should not sit idly by. This horrible person has to be brought down to his knees!
Yes! How can we put pressure on the new administration to hold the past one, and the traitorous Republican co-signers of that horrifying lawsuit, accountable?
There would be a lot of things our politicians and people could learn from Deb Haarland, her roots and all Native American people, but some come instantly to mind:
1: That chiefs only stay in charge as long they can persuade and influence others to follow by the wisdom of their words and the effectiveness of their decisions
2: That the leader in peace is not necessarily he or she who leads in war
3: That the most respected person is he who most shares his riches with his fellows in need
4 That the people live as a part of nature in a mutually supportive relationship with other creatures and not as parasites profiting from nature
5: That land is not for sale it exists freely in its own right
6: That every part of nature has a "spirit" which must be respected
One could go on indeffinitely, but If 2021 is to be different from 2020 then we need to make a start on listening to the wisdom of people who developed their way of life over the thousands of years before we invaded their space.
I agree wholeheartedly. I’ve always longed to live with these principles. Ever since I was a child and especially now. We have raped this planet with our greed and sociopathic mentality. Now we are on the brink of losing ourselves as guests on Mother Earth. Will we man up and win her approval or perish? Because between she and we, she will survive, not we.
For those who would rather trash this planet and go to Mars at some point, I say go now. The sooner the better. Good riddance!
I just downloaded 2 books to my Kindle: “Wounded Knee” by Dr. Richardson and “Let us Dream” by Pope Francis. Pretty appropriate for today especially in light of your comment.
I hope you can handle “Wounded Knee.” I couldn’t finish it. What I did read left me shredded. I will never understand the cruelty of Humanity.
I read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee when I was a teenager. It had a profound impact on me which stays with me to this day.
It starts with making a whole people less human - like the Constitution making slaves count 2/3s of a person - and then putting greed in the way -- like the Gold Rush into the Black Hills. Time for civilization to mature and be truly egalitarian. But, it won't be easy. I want the new age to be one of synergy -- an "and" philosophy rather than the one up / one down "or" philosophy. We should adopt the Native American philosophy that wealth in measured by one's generosity to others.
Ever since Reagan’s “welfare queens,” Republicans have adroitly used racism and class myth to mask their corporate giveaways and malfeasance. Heck, ever since their “Southern strategy” in the 1970s and distorted Reconstruction myths in the 1870s. If it weren’t for the cover these creeps get from racism, the fat cats couldn’t get away with their corruption and thieving and lying and stealing.
It's STILL GOING ON. None of this should be solely in the past tense!
I felt shredded every time I visit Wounded Knee and my Oglala friends on Pineridge Rez.
The Peole donor did have a philosophy of Living with the seventh generation in mind. We certainly could use wise elders now, or perhaps youth—like Greta.
Sorry, it was the “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee” that I was referring to.
There is no better life on Mars than that which we have here. Why can we not see that? Self interest as a whole would seem so obvious, yet at the same time seems so pie in the sky. Will we ever move past the zero sum game?
Honestly, the whole Mars bit seems to be an excuse to finish pillaging this planet and go on to another! Did anyone here ever see the movie WAL-E? Its animated but certainly speaks to what we humans are doing right now. Rather than repair anything, throw it away & get new, AND the idea that we are creating so much garbage that its taking over the planet. Look at our oceans, beaches, rivers etc. Its downright disgusting.
Touring Swaziland in Africa last November, I listened to similar tribal thoughts from a young woman representing her village at a “tourist destination.” Coming from a 60’s America where I couldn’t wait to leave home and did so at the age of 14, I still can’t imagine being young and content to stay at home and follow the advice of family elders. And, yet, I have been seeking a tribe, a wise governing council, a generous strong tribal chief in all the years since the 1968 murders of RFK and MLK. That quest for a community looking out for each other and the earth has fueled my political activism since then. Your maxims align with my limited reading and touring of tribal lands out west. And, the Deb Haaland cabinet appointment is the first from Biden that made me spontaneously joyful. A victory for progressives. A sign. Perhaps this is a step toward significant reparations and the USA becoming a citizen of the world. Meanwhile, there is the Evil Trump and his corrupt inner circle to monitor. 🤬 There are the GA elections to help to victory. 🤞🏻❤️🤍💙
Haaland’s confirmation will make me dance the Snoopy dance.
or rather restart the Ghost Dance movement.
I think the imagery we paint of Native Americans is a bit glamorized. They are, after all, human, with all the requisite fragility and foibles. Had they learned to extract ores and smelt metal tools, domesticate herds of animals, their view on the land may well have been much different than worshipful consideration often depicted. Indeed we can see how well they incorporated Conquistador equine to their lifestyle, Winchester carbines to traditions, and Casinos to their trade once these were introduced.
Actually, William, let's look at it the other way around... if the white men had left the ores in the lands they "conquered" and respected the earth and nature as did the indigenous peoples who were obliterated across the world, we might actually have a planet that could sustain human life.. somewhere between here and there I expect there was a way to mine sustainably, to take only what was necessary, but greed and selfishness ruled(rules) the day.
They did mine copper and iron and gold. They just did not exploit and destroy the land in the process. MUCH to be learned from our Native Peoples.
Actually, that is the way we always portray these matters. I just think people are much the same and their trajectories mostly controlled by available technology.
I do think there’s a fundamental difference between “how can we extract as much as possible from x resource?” and “how can we live well while sustaining the land, air, and water that sustain us all?”.
If the "technology" of the Native Americans (crop growing techniques (corn & tobacco) hunting skills, survival skills, shelter building, self defense in an environment viewed as hostile, e.g.) had not been offered to the Jamestown colony, the English would have perished. The colonial technology was insufficient to survival. It was the guarded generosity of the Native Americans, not technology, that sustained the colonies. Though it was finally the technology of the western world that massacred the millions of Natives, there was no "technological" triumph in that. Where Native Americans viewed living with the environment a "spiritual" necessity, western "invaders" manage again and again to use their triumphant technology to abuse and pollute an entire planet. It's clear that our fearsome technology long ago surpassed our humanity.
Very true and nicely put. Thanks!
Hear! Hear!
Well said, Jan!
I have been considering your comment. I know that we human beings tend to view past events as stories, never the strict truth, because that is the only way we can understand them. We simplify. We interpret. We don’t see things as they absolutely are. So I agree with you that we probably glamorize. I would expect that. And I think I agree with you for the most part that people are the same everywhere, or start out that way. But cultures differ from each other. I don’t think this is just a matter of available technology, though I will think about this some more. My instinct is that the accumulated wisdom of a people’s leaders has a lot to do with how they develop.
Some peoples are a little wiser in what they do with it than we seem to be!
William, the hundreds upon hundreds of years of existence on the land tells me that the Native cultures were successful. And yes, there were battles between tribes. But let’s make no mistake of the tragedy of the white culture of capitalism and conquest
When the Native Tribes fought prior to having guns and horses the death rate was minimal! Honour was saved at low cost!
Casinos were survival much like a mother prostitutes herself to feed her children. I doubt it sets well with them. Severe alcoholism is probably some proof of that.
As the Natives here in Ottowa Chippewa country explain it, Natives always loved games and casinos fit right in with their culture. I made home visits before casinos, when my husband was head of the Michigan Indian Confederation - it was not alcoholism that made them poor (though that genetic condition did nit help), but BIA policies. Some did well with fishing rights, some really well. Once the casinos were up an running, tribes could build very good village homes, clinics, and day care and elder centers. Income from working gaming tables meant families were finally making it on their own. The tribe in our region now supports social services for our mostly white community as well (instead of taxes, grants are made to our community organizations). The difference in the pride and power of The People has been an amazing transformation. Deb Haaland is stepping in at an opportune time to help us all and Mother Earth.
I am so pleased at her appointment.. way past due
Severe alcoholism was used by colonializing forces to subdue the "Natives" in N&S America, Africa, Australasia to deliberately reduce their ability to organize themselves collectively and create massive addiction.
You can add Ireland to the list. The English used that tool, as well as preventing the Irish from attending school, speaking Gaelic, practicing their religion, and owning their farms. My ancestors were from England, Scotland, and Ireland, for the most part, with a bit of German and Scandinavian as well, so I bring no bias to the table here. The benefits of colonialization are rendered only to those who colonize, and the shame is theirs as well.
My mother was born the year that Ireland had their fight for independence. She worked in England as a welder during the war and received pretty rough treatment from those she worked with and lived with who were British. It’s still stings
Very sad, and totally believable.
In terms of alcohol however both the Scots and the Irish did pretty well without the English! My mother is a Scot!
Their predisposition probably provided willing victims. . . .
Ha! Ha! Perhaps we forced them into gambling as once upon a time the Jews were forced into lending money in Europe?
No. Our Native peoples are great lovers of games and tricks. Running casinos is a perfect fit.
Conquistador equine? There is some disagreement as to whether those actually WERE the first horses introduced here - of course they brought them into their lives when they had the opportunity. And they obviously DID domesticate herds of horses. Guns? Well how else were they to defend themselves when they were being invaded by people wanting them off their homelands? And quite frankly, why not use casinos? Yes they ARE human - but have been treated as less and still are by many. I truly celebrate the new head of the DOI - hopefully our sainted Congress doesnt make up excuses why she shouldnt be nominated. A woman, finally.
We haven't left the Tribes much choice because of the barren lands on which we have quartered them ...casino's? They are just playing on our weaknesses and who could say that they are wrong!
I agree completely - truthfully could have ranted on some more - from treatment of Native Americans (AND all "others") but once I start on the wild horses - I tend to rant.
Just for your info, they smelted copper and gold for ornaments and tools and traded both the refined metal and the products from Mexico to Alaska. In terms of domesticated animals, they, like us, had dogs and after the Spanish invasion horses too. They had intelligently,however, obviated the necessity of domesticating food animals as they so managed nature to make sure that they always had a ready suppy at hand.....before the white men's diseases and their increasingly pervasive presence so cut their numbers that their labour-intensive environmantal management system could not be supported.
The entry of the Spanish horse was very much a contributor to the end of their way of life as it made hunting and war easier, they roamed farther and reduced sedentry aspects of their existence and further enhanced the "monetization" of their trading systems and wealth calculations. The Winchesters, like the earlier guns, were introduced by the white men and the native Americans used it to defend themselves. Previous single shot rifles were often less effective than bows and arrows. Where they really could not respond was when the army turned canon, howitzer and machinegun on their women and children.
Perhaps, or perhaps they made a conscious choice. We have enough, this life is enough, it feels balanced. Maybe some considered settling down in one place permanently and raising crops and herds, and were outnumbered by visionaries who could see the troubles this would lead to (the troubles that developed since the Agricultural Revolution 12K years ago. Ishmael, anyone?). It may seem astonishing to us, but perhaps the majority just said NO to greed.
Ugh, white man!?!
William, you do a commendable job of portraying the stereotype of the arrogant European male belittling the abilities and value of a people you don’t understand and certainly don’t appreciate. It has been, for centuries, the technique of the invader to mischaracterize the victims of their rape, murder—Read: genocide—and plunder.
“These people can’t be so noble and wise and generous. Remember white supremacy? We certainly can’t describe them and their culture as superior to us.”
But perhaps they do have admirable and valuable qualities and knowledge. And perhaps they do have much to teach us. And perhaps they are fully human.
Of course that would make the transgressions of the invaders crimes against humanity.
Remember this year’s calamitous wildfires on the West Coast? If the migrants from the east hadn’t been so focused on grabbing as much as they could as quickly as they could; and if they had not been so quick to spin up tales of their victims savage natures and inferiority to cover their own savagery and malefaction; they just might have discovered a different standard of wealth, and another perspective on life and living.
Well said.
I’m afraid nothing can excuse the brutal treatment they have received. Genocide is an ugly ugly thing
Every one of these maxims resonates with me. Thank you, Stuart.
Stuart, my respect for you and your wisdom increases exponentially
Absolutely Stuart! Thank you. May we ALL get introduced into these wonderful, wise ideas.
so beautiful. I read about leadership a lot. This is special. Thank you
Exactly right.
I can't wait to see what Rep. Deb Haaland will do as Secretary of the Interior about the decision by the Supreme Court in 1980 that the Black Hills had been unconstitutionally taken from the Native Americans in 1877. The Fort Laramie Treaty stated that the Black Hills were for the "absolute and undisturbed use and occupation of the Indians." The Supreme Court awarded a monetary settlement rather than returning the land. The Native Americans told the Supreme Court that the land was not for sale and have refused to accept the money. Maybe it will take a couple of generations to somehow return the land gradually but inevitably, but it needs to happen. It really is the only way they will get true retribution. It is difficult to predict how the current Supreme Court will stand on this. In reading Heather's book on Wounded Knee it is amazing to me how much 1890 has parallels with 2020. Washington politics must change this time. We need a true new age this time!
There is also the more recent decision by SCOTUS that half of Oklahoma "is a reservation that belongs by treaty to Native Americans" and Leonard Pelltier is still in jail unjustly accused of "attacking the FBI and killing one of their men" at the 1970 Wounded Knee protests!
That's right. I hope Oklahoma doesn't collapse in on itself from fracking causing earth quakes before the Native Americans get it back! I know about Leonard Pelltier but I've never studied his case. Time to get educated! Thanks!
you could start with Peter Matthiessen's book "In the spirit of Crazy Horse" . Not even Obama acknowledged the injustice by quashing the conviction!
A different book, but very enlightening is “Killing the White Man’s Indian” https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/fergus-m-bordewich/killing-the-white-mans-indian/
Wow. Yeah, we like to overlook some of the uglier things that happened in that administration.
Will do. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thank you Stuart for your depth of knowledge. I didn’t know any of this... and didn’t know Leonard Pelltier was still in jail. Incredible.
Cathy, I applaud your post.
Thank you! I have a strong sense of destiny in this. My great grandfather's sister was married to Dr. Valentine McGillycuddy. He was among the first white men to survey the Black Hills, was at Fort Robinson when Crazy Horse was there, as a doctor he treated Crazy Horse's wife Black Shawl Woman for TB, was the doctor in attendance when Crazy Horse was mortally wounded, and later was the Field Agent at Pine Ridge from 1879 to 1882.
Wow, Cathy...your sense of destiny shines the light where it needs to be. So happy to know you on these posts!
Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. This is a special group of people that I'm finding very supportive is this wild time. I believe we are forming friendships that will last for a long time. Thank you, friend.
I agree with you and Lynell. I find these comments illuminating and heart-warming. I feel I am among friends.
I hope this continues to be a home for us. Thank you all for being here.
Yes
I feel the same way, Cathy. Thank you so much for sharing some of your family history.
Yes, in addition to Heather's historic perspective, it has been mightily beneficial to read everyone's commentary here. These last months have been so difficult for all of us, and the community has helped to maintain the hope that we will come out stronger in the end.
Cathy, so interesting to read your family history. I have been on the Pine Ridge reservation and was struck first by the poverty and then by the spirit of the people. Kind, welcoming and proud.
Yes, but on a different reservation. I had the same strong feelings. I felt the guilt and shame of “my people” and an overwhelming sadness. I had tears of joy today at reading the powerful words of Deb Haaland. Biden did a really smart and good thing here.
Wow. I got goosebumps.
Me, too. Amazing.
I didn’t know this and I completely agree. It is striking the differences between the Native Americans, in this case refusing, to accept the money and holding the land as an entity unto itself, “un-buyable.” The white man, on the other hand, is all about the cash.
If the monetary award is a match for the perceived value of the land as non-native property, it should be enough to purchase that property from its current occupants and restore it to the tribes.
I think at the time they were looking at $100million, but if you add compound interest over 40 years it has at least doubled. However, if they took the money they current usurpers wouldn't sell back to them and in all likelyhood the Feds would probably try to hold it "in loco parentis" to make sure that the Lakotao could in no way profit from it or disturb current whiet occupation!
I doubt $106,000,000 was a match for the value of the land.
Indeed, it's still ongoing. Not past tense.
“Now is the time of monsters.” This is, from my perspective, one of the best, if not the best, “Letters From an American” Doctor Richardson has penned. It presents a stark juxtaposition of the forces of destruction vs. the forces of construction; those dedicated to the dismantling of our nation for their own enrichment, arrayed against those determinately pledged to the reconstruction of our beloved country, against all odds.
I do have to raise one objection to the portrayal of this time period as “the time of monsters.” For too many of the denizens of what became the United States of America, the monsters roamed this continent even before the nation formally existed. From the point at which the seafarers from Europe stumbled upon this land mass, mistaking it for India, monstrous acts were committed against the territory and its peoples.
And as if those deeds were not nefarious enough, stolen peoples from distant homelands were transported to these shores to ensure that the wandering miscreants became obscenely wealthy.
The time in which we live is simply the culmination of the assorted abominations inflicted upon hapless and helpless peoples, Indigenous and forced migrants, over some six centuries. This Western cult of profit by any and all means had its birth on the far side of the ocean and was imported to this country by the men who were its most zealous acolytes.
But what is the real, the most important message from today’s “Letter”, is: “a new world struggles to be born.” These are the words that illuminate our time.
Two-thousand-and-twenty is the year that has seen the dismantling of the “old world”, and is the time to lay the groundwork for the new, even in the face of relentless and insidious attacks on that which we hold dear. It is the time, as well, that demands that we face those horrors which we have studiously ignored until today, when they have become too obvious and too appalling to deny any further.
Thanks, Bill. I agree with you, and with so many of the members of this tribe of readers. Everything we thought we knew is wrong.
Thank you Bill. You broaden my perspective of today's Letter.
Spot on and beautifully expressed. Thank you.
Beautifully said, Bill.
Excellent, Bill. Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️
Good morning, everyone. Like so many of you, I come here every day for a kind of centering time, usually before the sun rises. I find comfort in Heather's letters--even when they contain deeply disturbing information. "Contain" being the operative word, right?! Somehow, she reels in the national hysteria (alongside the numbing national ignorance, as in "ignoring"), makes clear what's true, and then places all of that in historic context.
I was a career writer/editor. I'm not being bullshitish when I say that I'm in awe of what Heather has gifted to us on this site, every day for more than a year. Also grateful for the commentary from the not-Heathers who educate me, too. Take-aways du jour:
** Deb Haaland: Perfect choice for Interior.
** Agencies/agents: Brain connected that ugly but comparatively simple sham to trump's self-serving, twisted way of governing.
** Horrified fascination: observing the sleight of many hands shifting demon status from Russia to China.
** Who knows what evil lurks in the Oval Office, the Pentagon, the DOJ? I hope there are whistles at the ready to be blown!
"bullshitish": word of the week
That was a perfect acknowledgement of what Heather does, every day, and coming from a writer/editor is even more confirmation.
Nailed it, Barbara! Thank you!
Every newsletter is a must-read for me, but the opening sentence Dr Richardson chose was a particularly inspired choice! Yes, a new world struggles to be born, and there are indeed *monsters* among us, but what worries me is how many of us (myself included on a lot of days) cling to our “old world.” I liked the freedom of not worrying whether I was going to catch a deadly virus any minute, I liked not worrying about national politics every damn day, I liked knowing competent people were (sometimes) making things work. But the injustices are too deep, the corruption increasingly obvious, and the lack of concern for human life too appalling. We have no choice but to create a better world in the coming years and decades. Will we be able to convince enough of our fellow citizens of that need, or will they cling so strongly to the old world that we can’t progress?
Very tough questions.
Maybe like a baby has endless needs, but will grow and become independent, so maybe if we baby the new world with love and care until it's grownup, we get to enjoy its fruits?
I loved the opening of this one too❤️
“Quiet but steady” should be the Biden admin’s motto. It is apparent that they want this cabinet to look like what America is all about, different cultures, different colors, different genders. We must embrace them all and forge ahead rather than be taken in by the thieves amongst us.
The choice of Haaland is by far, the most deserving. She is a woman. A single mom who had to get welfare to help take care of the child she was raising. She got grants and scholarships to help pay for her college education. She worked and still she prevailed. I am so very very happy to see her achieve this goal. Her background can only help Native Americans win back dignity that has been denied for way too long.
Let’s face facts...our race, the white one, has been cruel, committed malicious acts of violence, and stirred up the masses for hundreds of years. It is high time that this madness is tampered down by us! We must keep voicing our disgust and call out those doing damage publicly.
Buttigieg called out for a "reckoning" of the hateful parts of Christianity. They are how many centuries old? The hateful parts of our storm trooper, might makes right history is also long overdue for a reckoning. It's happening, the old white guard are absolutely getting uncomfortable.
We need to PERSIST.
TY professor, et al, please, continue with your light shining!
We need to persist.
I’m in!
I agree that we must eliminate the hateful—full-of-hate—parts of our culture and society. Perhaps we should revisit the linkage of “hateful” and Christianity.
I can no longer be classified as a Christian, although as a member of the Bahá’í Faith I revere Jesus Christ and recognize His divinity and His station as the Son of God.
But if we restate the issue as “the hateful parts of Christ’s Teachings”, I think we will come to the conclusion that the fault lies, not in Christianity, but in those who falsely link their despicable words and actions to the religion.
If we revisit the origins of Jesus’ ministry we will, I am certain, find no trace of the abhorrent behavior of those who use His Name as a cloak for their malicious ways. We must separate the foundational Teachings of religion from the malign activities of the pretenders.
Yes.
Your choice of the word “steady” brings to mind the recent book by Dan Rather, “What Unites Us”, which I recently finished. I believe quite a few folks here have mentioned it in previous postings. It has encouraged continued hope that the values that underpin our democracy will survive and ultimately prevail and has been uplifting in this immensely troubled and chaotic time. So much so that just the word “steady” alone can serve to lift my spirits. Thank you for sharing it here.
Yes, thank you HCR! The nomination of Representative Haaland to lead the Department of the Interior is indeed a ray of hope and a lifeline. But the rest of what is going on begs the question, when is enough enough? How long does the US allow Trump's alarming behavior wreak havoc on the American people? It seems clear to me that there need to be new guardrails erected to protect the country from a damaged and renegade president (and his supporters!).
Absolutely. The president has far too much power. We need to examine this soberly and wisely and then take corrective action.
The Constitution provides checks and balances. Whether they work or not depends on whether those in our three branches of our government believe in the Constitution. When one branch does not, the other branches must step in. Presidential influence over Senators and Representatives of his party weakens Constitutional checks and balances.
Not just believe in but also abide by.
Thank you. So much food for thought.
Let’s also add majority leader to the Senate re: power list!
Agree when is enough enough before someone has the integrity to speak up.
Well said... but can we do it? Certainly not if teh Republicans maintain control of the Senate.
The power lies within each and every one of us.
Thank goodness for Stacy Abrams who helps magnify our collective power!
Love her!
Yes, this is another part of the problem.
HCR -- Thanks (as always) for your historical insights and context. I have no idea what our country could ever do to "make right" the injustices done to Native Americans since before our country's founding, but we should, or rather we MUST try.
This Letter brings tears, thank you Dr. Richardson. It’s so poignantly written and encapsulates the essence of our time...evidenced in one day.
I’d like to respectfully recommend reading the book, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. It outlines the time described in today’s Letter in historic detail. It left me numb and feeling ashamed that people, so full of greed, can be so cruel and heartless. Greed, Cruelty...and so it continues.
God Bless President Biden and Vice President Harris and the new Administration. Our HOPE remains with you. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to support our precious democracy.🇺🇸❣️
All due respect, our hope remains with US. Remember what got us trump and his cronies? Allowing politicians to run the country.
Elaine, thanks for your comment. It made me think!
I don’t know your skills, but I certainly could not run this country. I vote for candidates who have the skills, knowledge, experience and temperament to lead our Nation. Politicians have skill I do not have. I believe that the word “Politician” has become a hot potato, with negative connotations. That’s too bad...I guess the corrupt ones effected people’s view on the position. But not all Politicians, like in any other career, are corrupt. Many are good, honest folks...like you and I.
I would agree that we need to stay vigilant and participate in our government...run for local office, or higher if you are able to, be in communication with our representatives, write letters, listen to others without judgment, share opinions in a manner that can educate and enlighten.
I, for one, believe that I can put much hope and faith in those I have voted for. But I will continue to take responsibility for myself as a citizen of our great United States of America 🇺🇸
I missed civics in school, if it was there (but we moved a lot, so...) I wish I had learned back then how the government works. I also think it would be a good idea if every citizen performed some kind of service to our government at some level, though I have no idea what form(s) that could take.
An incredible, heartbreaking, shocking riveting book. Challenged my faith in humanity
Some people need to have monsters in their life. They will seek them out. And where there are none, they will invent them. Gramsci is right on. The new world being born brings uncertainty. And with uncertainty brings fear for some, hope for others The madman in the white house continues his scorched earth approach to life, demonizing anyone and anything that gets in his way, providing an ample supply of monsters for those who seek them. Politics has always been like this when the humanity is on the verge of bettering itself. I have hope that this too shall pass. I stopped feeding my monsters a long time ago. Peace to all of you
The future is a consequence of today’s choices. Pre ordination and destiny are a myth. Wise choices and sound action on those choices will produce a tomorrow of promise. Poor choices and a failure to act in a responsible manner ensures a bleak future without hope for a better future. Every day presents each of us and our collective society with new choices, a new fork in the road. We can choose light or the darkness, good or evil, civility or disharmony, a better tomorrow or disaster, right or wrong. There is seldom a true middle road without consequence. Throughout our history as a country we have collectively made both wise and foolish choices and then pursued those well or failed to fulfill their promise. For the last four years we have suffered under the leadership of fools who have made poor choice after poor choice, and whose actions have had consequences that should have instructed better future choices. So where are we now? New day, new choices. Which path will our leaders take? Will we allow those who have lead us into the hostile wilderness in which we find ourselves to continue to make choices for our future, or will we listen to those with the wisdom and experience to lead us to a better tomorrow? This is the choice we face collectively as a country. We can take the path to the left or the right and go all together. Where one goes, we all go. Taking separate paths is not an option.
So do not sit silently and hope the wise will prevail. Experience and history shows the voice of fools is loud and their words persuasive. Critical thinking, wisdom, experience, capability, and accomplishment are the values and voices we should heed.
Today ... everyone choose wisely. Tomorrow ... follow the plan and then make wise choices again. Whatever happens, every consequence will be a direct result of our actions and choices. Dr. Richardson is urging us all to look to and learn from the path we have travelled, our history and the lessons it should teach us and how those learnings should inform our choices.
Listen to the teachings and please all, choose wisely, choose decisively, and pay attention.
A stunning organic Letter as eras collide. A friction fractured moment of realization, an earthquake moment / shift sly as the turn of an eye when a lover finds another time for goodbye moment. Danger and promise passing sock slipping off an ankle close. Old men desperate grasping ignorant giving way to softer wisdom / ancient timeless inexorable not of flesh but love of life wisdom.
Poetry is such a great response to Heather’s latest missive. Thank you R Dooley.
Melania Trump said, "As you may know by now, when you attack him [Trump] he will punch back 10 times harder."*
And now he is apparently seriously considering an option to declare martial law. This guy is the worst thing to happen to America and much of the world since WWII, and he can't be gone from the White House soon enough! Nevertheless, a part of me wishes he would try to declare martial law. At that point, I'm very confident the military would lock him down instead of his political opponents. With the state of emergency only in his mind, this talk is treasonous.
America needs a full accounting of all the damage he and his administration have done, all the laws he has broken. If Mr. Biden follows past examples and does not allow the Justice Department to fully expose Trump's criminal conduct and prosecute him accordingly, then a horrible precedent will be set. It's one thing to let a former president off the hook for actions such as Nixon's. It's quite another matter to let this guy off the hook. I will not be surprised by anything he and his administration did that might come to light after he's gone from office.
*https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/melania-stumps-donald-trump-he-will-punch-back-10-times-n550641
From your lips (or, well, TEXT!) to God's ears...
However, if the Republican party and Trump's base continue to blindly, and spinelessly follow him in their current numbers, NOTHING will ever get done to bring these traitors to justice. As I say to so many of the opinions expressed on here: *YOU* believe that...*I* believe that...but do *THEY* believe that??? Trying to pry these people away from their gut-based beliefs is seemingly impossible at this point, and *THIS* is what worries me most of all. We're all here in our echo chamber agreeing with each other and supporting each other--and I *LOVE* that!--but our thoughts and messages aren't always going to reach the ones that should hear it. The bulk of them seem deaf to anything that challenges their twisted versions of the truth. What to do? Yes, try slowly, person by person, to effect a change, but that can be a monumental task, and we don't have a whole hell of a lot of time--especially until the oligarchs' achieve their final take-over, aided by their brainwashed minions, in '22 and/or '24. This is what concerns me. This Trump administration to me is comparable to a cancer that is being allowed to spread unchecked, and whether or not we can stop it is the great question that keeps me up at night.
On 12/17, Elaine Hewitt said, “I think we all should get together and form a coalition.” I suggested a PAC with the emphasis on action rather than money. Jeff the American asked, “. . . why can’t we grab the anti-bully pulpit?” Dr. Richardson gave these comments a like, and others indicated an interest. Robin Jett established an email address for Dr. Richardson’s followers: heathersherd@gmail.com.
It seems to me that the thing that distinguishes Heather’s Herd from other groups is the interest in understanding the present by understanding the past. How do we turn that into political action? How do we use it to grab the anti-bully pulpit? "
Jan just posted one possible avenue: "I would like access to a curated collection of timely, forceful, succinct, fact-checked messages tailored for various media (from letters to posts) and audiences (from pols to misguided friends to the not-so-friendly). Keep this conversation alive."
What else?
This group is probably already aware, but politifact.com is a good resource. And the crazy thing is that right-wing media and far right talk show hosts must know they get fact checked. And don’t care. And keep whipping up the misguided frenzy. Power and greed. Dangerous addictions.
Thank you for asking and nudging us forward. This is a tough question. I don’t have much faith in changing cult-infused minds. I have given facts to people who tune out right away. They have their sources and that is who they will believe, it seems. I don’t understand it but I don’t understand cults either. My only thought is to keep pressuring our elected officials. I am open to whatever works best and I would dearly love to find a way for facts to become relevant again!!
Yes! Sign me up.
Like you, I am dismayed by the echo chamber. It is, at the least, a "comfort zone" and I am grateful for the safe haven. I do wish it were more of a zone of dialogue where contending ideas yakked with confidence. I value debate and shrink from the repetition of the obvious. Maybe if we learned to embrace and debate our own contending ideas we would be more ready to confront the cancerous elements you talk of that keep you from sleeping soundly.
Yes, but look at what we already face from trolls that find their way here! I’m not entirely sure that rationality will work. The Lincoln Project does a great job, but they are trying to rebuild the Republican Party. Perhaps we need to think about educating the Democratic Party as well. I initially supported Bernie Sanders (but never wasted my vote when the final candidate was chosen). Why? Because he was the first one to sound like a Democrat in forever!
I think we should clearly ignore trolls. Do not feed or respond to them. But, maybe we could continue to enlarge our discussion and learn to debate tough issues without being snide, insulting, or self-righteous? Not that anyone is being snide, etc., but when issues are contested we tend to become defensive, which kills the conversation. I agree with you on Bernie, although I disliked his finger-jabbing presence. A "real democrat" will no longer be elected for a least a generation, if we last that long.
Jan, I agree with you that discussion, even debate, of important ideas is critical. It exercises our minds, keeps us honest, trains us to defend and educate. I guess we all like the feeling of others' approval, but I really enjoy listening to a well-reasoned argument for an opinion that differs from my own because it makes me smarter. I can feel myself growing when I stretch a bit and consider different points of view.
❤️
Today’s thread about Native Americans is an example of dialogue with contending ideas.
I have felt safe in this group to post a contrary point of view, have seen others respectfully disagree with HCR, and noted responses to be respectful. There have been a few readers who post an angry contrarian rant that does not constructively expand our conversation. Some readers respond with anger in turn by calling out “troll,” and one reader engaged and calmed him down but then unfortunately elevated him to the top with the volume of likes and comments, overshadowing the more illuminating comments below. As much as I value “know thy enemy,” I support ignoring the “trolls.”
And on the heels of the Flynn pardon, listening to a recent podcast by The Lincoln Project having a conversation with Malcom Nance, a counter-terrorism expert, it was mentioned that Flynn is thick with Qanon. Apparently I missed this little important ditty. So, had to research it. He’s on YouTube reciting their slogan, and they think he was a martyr for them. And he and Powell keep whispering in his ear. As Bruce muses, how can this course be reversed? Detoxing cultists, no matter the flavor of the day, is a long process. :/
Well said, Bruce.
I recently crossed the Rubicon with two Trump supporting friends; asking if they still thought he was a better choice than Joe Biden to be President. Both responded with attacks against the media. Both are educated women. One a very wealthy heiress who has skillfully continued to amass wealth. The other a former Democrat. Each deathly afraid of socialism yet each having benefited greatly from government give always to the Haves.
Trumpism is a cult. I fear few Trump supporters will entertain the idea that he is what he is—a self-serving megalomaniacal huckster and a grave danger to the world.
Thank you Heather for this on point letter.
I am most impressed with Bidens' appointment of Harland then any thus far. How is it that it has taken our Nation this long to make a proper appointment to this Department?
I am watching this latest spin out of Trump with his closed meetings with the most inappropriate characters as perhaps just letting a burned out President play with a broken game board until the clock runs out in his term. I wish I knew if this tantrum is truly an idle threat. The bombastic numbers of those infected and lost by this unaddressed pandemic continue to dishearten my take on this Administration. I cannot get the thought that this pandemic was planned out of the back of my head. I would like to think that humans are not capable of being this evil but I look at this Administration and I cannot disprove it.
Stay safe. Stay well.
But we might be able to prove it, to the detriment of tRump and his sycophants.
We have evidence, not that the pandemic was "planned" but that the US response to it was constructed without regard for life or for the Main Street economy.
I understand Trump wants to handicap Biden, but how does wrecking the economy help anyone? Thy will be hit as well.
Tя☭mp wants power and revenge. He has never ever cared what happens to anyone but himself. McTurtleneck wants the economy in tatters so his party can attack the Dems for it in the 2022 and 2024 elections. Again, remember these politicians are wealthy and the stock market has gone way up while the state of the country and most people in it has gone down.
*They
Sorry for the auto correct. I was referring to Deb Haaland.
I hear you.
I agree with you. I attempted to post a link to a notice I received from a close friend. It’s an announcement that the “ Inauguration of President Trump” will take place at Mar a Lago on January 20, 2021.” I don’t believe it’s a joke. Ugh.
That would be an act of treason, wouldn't it? They should arrest everyone in attendance.
Treason is specifically defined as aiding a foreign enemy with whom we are at war. We are not formally at war with Russia, so none of Tя☭mp's despicable behavior qualifies as treason.
💔💔💔
Double ugh
I triple the sentiment.
Perhaps some widespread scorn in advance would prevent it, or at least minimize coverage.
I'm flabbergasted that any of his advisors would opine that he is spending too much time with kooks. Trump IS a kook, and it's about time that was publicly acknowledged. We're going to see these people again, spinning tales of their own non-complicity in this mess, while reality is that none of them should ever be allowed near the levers of power again, ever.
Oh the books they will write...
The only reason that Trump has not declared martial law, in my opinion, is that our military, bless their honor and patriotic souls, have made it clear that they would not participate.
I agree. He's more dangerous than ever.
Becky, without question.
I agree. Can anyone speak to what it means if he imposes martial law? Can he do that? Not that a thing has ever kept him from doing anything before. Is this possible?
Haaland’s appointment is inspired and just; it’s about time the people who understand our assigned role as stewards of the land have their rightful voice and leadership in that place of power. I have always revered the indigenous peoples in this hemisphere and this continent. I have spent time on the Pine Ridge and have friends there who persevere and stoically persist against all odds to make life sustainable for themselves and their people with a quiet resilience and brilliant, understated humour that ripples through the wasteland of their collective, centuries-old grief and persecution. Haaland knows all of this in her bones, and I look forward to supporting her efforts to lead us all in recognising our undeniable dependence and humble place upon Mother Earth. 🌎
I have relatives in New Mexico who have Apache blood. If you haven’t already, read “Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee”: a primer of broken treaty promises.
I’ve read the book numerous times over the years, Patricia, and have spent time at the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, among others written about in the book. It is a place of such stark devastation: one can ‘feel’ the blood in the ground and ‘hear’ the anguish in the wind that moves across its rise and fall.
Yes you said that beautifully and it is true. Another goosebumps moment.
Another good spot is Custer’s Last Stand in Montana. I felt absolutely no pity for the American soldiers when I visited there (more than once), but the fact that Custer lost meant more force and more violence were brought to bear against the Native Americans.
Yes. I have visited the place on two occasions and had the same visceral response. The abject arrogance and hubris of Custer cost him and his men their lives. Their Crow scouts warned them they were attacking a overwhelming number of Oglala Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, encamped on the Little Greasy Grass river, that it was a fool’s errand. Unfortunately, his foolish martyrdom inspired vengeance in the 7th Cavalry who manned the Howitzers at Wounded Knee.
Side note to that: as an added irony, many Hispanic families hid indigenous children in their families to protect them from the whites.
I was drawn to her during the DNC when the delegates chose their nominee. I googled her and read up on her recent accomplishments. Exciting that she has been nominated for this appointment!
So well expressed here and so true. I don’t know how these proud and humble people do it. There is a strength and patience there that I deeply admire.
my opinion...
it is plain, simple & clear that #tRump’s recent actions are treasonous.
he and his ‘friends’ in this act must be arrested soon... before it is too late.
treason
n. The betrayal of allegiance toward one's own country, especially by committing hostile acts against it or aiding its enemies in committing such acts.
n. The betrayal of someone's trust or confidence.
n. A betraying; treachery; breach of faith.
Agreed, K.D. I worry that, in an effort to ‘keep the peace’ and unify the nation, the incoming administration will not hold trump or any of his regime accountable for their heinous acts against our country, thus setting the stage for future recurrences of the 2016 election and the past 4 years with a more insidious and more dangerous candidate.
yes, accountability is necessary in trying to move ahead.
& currently, it sounds like the NYS AG has the goods on the entire family.
I sincerely hope so!
Biden may not say anything publicly but whomever he chooses as AG will investigate and prosecute. We, The People, should not sit idly by. This horrible person has to be brought down to his knees!
Yes! How can we put pressure on the new administration to hold the past one, and the traitorous Republican co-signers of that horrifying lawsuit, accountable?
It is actually more like the entire regime needs to have consequences.